THE MEMOIRS OF SUMMER RAY

I started the story of Summer Ray almost seventeen years ago and let’s face it, times have changed (especially) here in America. I often looked back and wondered why God had me write this series because so much had changed. I didn’t know while writing the story that our American history would be in danger of being erased. I didn’t know back then that an extraordinary amount of hate would be unleased against our founding. Honestly, I didn’t even think it was possible. I thought every American was proud to be just that, an American. At times, I felt I was losing the war and that I should just pack it up and try a different career. True story! But something in me kept me going. First and foremost, I am a Christian. Secondly, I am a Patriot! I fell in love with history while in elementary school. To this day, I still remember walking to the nearest library in middle school. I would only check out books on George Washington that had a Pulitzer Prize sticker on it. I felt I was holding gold.

George Washington’s Prayer for America

“I now make it my earnest prayer, that God would have the United States in his holy protection, that he would incline the hearts of the Citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to Government, to entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another, for their fellow citizens of the United States at large, and particularly for their brethren who have served in the Field, and finally, that he would most graciously be pleased to dispose us all, to do Justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that Charity, humility and pacific temper of mind, which were the Characteristicks of the Devine Author of our blessed Religion, and without an humble imitation of whose example in these things, we can never hope to be a happy Nation. Amen”

That love for history never waned. If anything, I grew even more passionate about it because I wanted to search for truth. In a few weeks, I will be meeting the above George Washington at Valley Forge. Like seriously, I cannot even believe it. I looked for years to find the right George for Summer Ray and thankfully, God led me to Curt Radabaugh. I will be getting some pictures and video clips for promos. But I will be meeting George Washington at Valley Forge. Is that even real? Technically not the real one. But definitely an authentic version of him. Living History does just that. It allows history to come back to life. Throughout the story of Summer Ray, history isn’t always pleasant. Sometimes, it was down right brutal. But unfortunately, to stay true to our American History, even one the darkest times of America slavery, must be carefully woven in. But it must be woven in truth and not sugarcoated. Slaves came from Africa. Although I am still researching exacts, it didn’t start here in our country. But sadly, it was accepted. It had become abolished in the Northern states, but that doesn’t mean that the North didn’t own slaves. But even George Washington’s closest companion was a slave. But the issues get very twisted in that he was also immensely loved and well taken care of. But on the other side of that were “masters” who were immensely abusive.

I do not think anyone can properly digest the slave trade, other than it never should have happened. No one had a right to own anyone, let alone deny them the right to choose. But the only way I can properly come face to face with such darkness, is to think of people like Martin Luther King Jr. who helped America to overcome its past.

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.” MLKJr.

I think this is why in modern day America, (to me), it is a travesty and distortion when we forget all he did during the Civil Rights Movement and how much he truly steered this country away from segregation to equal rights for all. It took years for the Emancipation Proclamation that President Abraham Lincoln signed on January 1, 1863, to really take effect.

Summary

“Initially, the Civil War between the North and the South was fought by the North to prevent the secession of the South and preserve the Union. Ending slavery was not a goal. That changed on September 22, 1862, when President Abraham Lincoln issued his Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation, which stated that slaves in those states or parts of states still in rebellion as of January 1, 1863, would be free.“

This is stated from the Library of Congress itself that slavery was not the goal of the Civil War. It was to keep the South from seceding from the Union. It is a horrible conflict and an ongoing battle of wits that is still being fought about today. But still, it wasn’t until the Civil Rights Movement that things really began to change. One of my favorite movies is “Hidden Figures.” I watch it at least one or twice a month. It is such a reminder of what Blacks overcame and the brilliance of these women who dared to dream. So you see, America’s spirit is to overcome. It is part of our heritage starting with the Revolutionary War and it is engrained in every citizen, or it should be. But we have had to fight the war against Socialism and those who have tried, but failed, to remove or to create a new American founding. But I can tell you, there is only one and it will forever more remain until Almighty God decides otherwise. I am even more passionate about getting Summer Ray to the screen. I am thankful the story is will be better shown as a Live Streaming series. There is simply too much information to cram it all in to a few movies. So to that, I will say, “To God be the Glory!” I do not know when production will start. All I know is that we will keep moving forward and it will happen soon. In closing, remember what Martin Luther King Jr. also stated:

“Hate cannot drive hate; only love can do that.”

WE NEED TO DO BETTER AT BEING BEING PEOPLE OF LIGHT AND LOVE!

Thank you for being a part of our Summer Ray world.

References: https://www.mountvernon.org/the-estate-gardens/the-tombs/george-washingtons-prayer-for-his-country; www.dictionary.com; Google search; https://www.loc.gov/item/2021667576